About 10,000 postcards were delivered to City Hall in Newark today supporting sick leave for private sector workers.

NEWARK — Many Newark City Council members have expressed support for paid sick leave in Newark but the New Jersey Working Families Alliance isn't taking any chances.

The group delivered 10,000 postcards from Newark voters supporting an upcoming ordinance establishing mandatory paid sick leave for private sector employees at today's City Council meeting.

"The reason we're delivering these post cards is to make clear to the municipal council and the mayor that this makes common sense," said alliance director Bill Holland as he huddled in the rain with a dozen supporters outside of City Hall before the meeting.

The ordinance, which may be taken up next week, would allow private sector workers to earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked up to five days.

Workers would be allowed to take leave for themselves, for a sick child, grandchild, grandparent or sibling.

Jersey City passed a similar ordinance earlier this year but supporters said the Newark measure would be more comprehensive.

"We believe this is the best ordinance in the country," said Analilia Mejia the state political director for Service Employees International, Local 32BJ, one of several groups supporting the measure.

While the measure was not on today's agenda, Acting Council President Anibal Ramos said the council would move quickly to adopt the measure.